Help center opens to assist businesses with SBA loan requests in Garden Grove chemical threat

U.S. Small Business Administration customer service representatives are now on hand at a business recovery center in Garden Grove to answer questions about a disaster loan program and application process that small businesses and private nonprofits can apply to recoup losses from the Garden Grove hazmat incident that left thousands of homes and businesses vacant over the Memorial Day weekend.

The office opened Tuesday, June 16, with SBA staff who can also help candidates complete their applications.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, who suffer related losses when a disaster or similar emergency event is declared.

The funds aren't limited to covering physical damage and may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills which could not be paid due to the emergency.

The business recovery center is located on the first floor of the Euclid Office Building at 12966 Euclid St., in Garden Grove.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can also be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. The center will be closed Friday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on the SBA disaster assistance. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability are encouraged to dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to file economic injury applications with the SBA is March 11.

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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM.